Molecular Detection and Treatment of Equine Piroplasmosis

The purpose of the study is to describe the first confirmed case of Theileria equi based on molecular detection in a mare along with complete clinico-hemato-biochemical response during the process of progression and treatment of the disease from Punjab State in India. A case presented at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana was diagnosed based on typical parachute shaped piroplasms in a stained blood smear and confirmed based on PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis of sequenced PCR product revealed 100% nucleotide identity with T. equi strain from Ludhiana (LC008132.1). Treatment with buparvaquone at 2.5 mg/kg body weight by deep intramuscular route at two different sites along with other supportive drugs showed marked improvement in vital hemato-biochemical parameters. This case divulges the endemicity of equine theileriosis in Punjab along with its molecular detection and response to treatment.  Key words: buparvaquone, equine piroplasmosis, polymerase chain reaction, Theileria equi